Compliments that Connect - 5 Tips for Networking Success

By Lynda Goldman

http://www.Impressforsuccess.com

Paying a sincere compliment is an ideal way to connect with someone at a networking event because it attracts people to you, helps solidify bonds, and lifts people’s spirits

A sincere compliment is like a gift because it makes both you and the receiver feel good. It’s an ideal way to break the ice and connect at a business or social event. It’s worthwhile learning how to compliment people the right way. Here are 5 tips for giving compliments that connect people and attract interaction.

1. Be sincere. It’s easy to tell the difference between a true compliment, and sounding like you are “kissing up”. What’s the difference? Only compliment something that deserves it. If the speech was a flop, compliment the speaker instead on their savvy handling of the Q&A. It’s easy to spot phoniness, and people know what they did well, and where they fell short of the mark.

2. Be specific. Instead of saying: You are a wonderful cook,” say: Your chocolate mousse was decadent. Do you have a special recipe? Instead of saying: You look nice today, you can say: That scarf is a great color for you. Even more specific: That blue scarf is a great color because it matches your eyes.

3. Be careful of backhanded compliments. Have you ever been the victim of someone saying to you: Wow, what a change - you look so much better.
It makes you wonder how bad you really looked last time. Instead, you can say: You look terrific. What’s your secret?

4. Cross gender compliments: When men compliment women, focus on accessories rather than clothing items. So you can compliment a woman on her necklace, but not her blouse. Even better, compliment her excellent speech or stellar performance on a major project. Women can also compliment a man’s tie, rather than a shirt. Women can be freer to compliment other women on their fabulous shoes or dress, when men should steer away from anything too personal in flattering women. They will be perceived as being too forward.

5. Be appropriate: Consider the setting and your relationship with the person. Commenting on a colleague’s new hair color is fine, but mentioning it to your boss is stepping out of bounds. Or telling the bride that she looks lovely is fine, but save your congratulations on her losing 50 pounds for private time.

By Lynda Goldman, author of 30 books including How to Make a Million Dollar First Impression.

Do you know the biggest business image mistakes people make? Find out with 2 free reports: 7 Business Casual Crimes and How to Solve Them and 13 Foods that Sabotage a Business Meal, when you sign up for Communication Capsules at: http://www.Impressforsuccess.com/signup.html

Women’s Jackets – 5 Styling Tips for Fresh Spring Trends

By Lynda Goldman

If you want one new piece to add to your wardrobe this spring, make it a jacket.
With such a large variety of jackets in the stores right now, every woman can update her wardrobe quickly and easily.

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Available at a large variety of prices, you are sure to find a look that suits you. Here are some fresh ways to wear this year’s spring jackets:

1. Add any jacket over a white shirt for instant panache. A crisp white shirt looks amazing under a classic blazer, and adds a touch of class to jeans.
2. Mix and match a long jacket with an ethnic or print skirt. The outfit possibilities are limitless. The jacket doesn’t have to match your bottoms.
3. Make a statement by choosing a jacket with bell sleeves, a special neckline, a nipped waist, or a rounded collar.
4. Go for a bright color. A shot of color makes a jacket stand out. Try a bright red, sparkling white, or a pop of green or blue over a simple black dress with a swingy shape. You’ll wow the crowds.
5. Layer your look by topping a striped tank top with a cropped jacket. Finish the look with a unique scarf in a fun geometric pattern.

By Lynda Goldman, author of 30 books including How to Make a Million Dollar First Impression.

Do you know the biggest business image mistakes people make? Find out with 2 free reports: 7 Business Casual Crimes and How to Solve Them and 13 Foods that Sabotage a Business Meal, when you sign up for Communication Capsules at: http://www.Impressforsuccess.com/signup.html

Business Networking – 5 Action Tips for Networking Success

By Lynda Goldman

Do you feel uncomfortable entering a room full of strangers at a networking event? You’re not along. One survey showed that about 75 percent of people feel nervous at business and social events.

But the rewards for networking can be enormous so it’s worthwhile taking the time to learning networking skills. Here are 5 action tips to help you succeed at networking:

1. Think about networking as a way to build long term relationships – not to sell on the spot.

2. Be approachable and friendly. You’ll attract people to you. Smile, make eye contact, and approach people. They will be grateful that you made the first move, and they will be happy to talk to you.

3. Always follow up. Nothing happens unless you follow up, and not many people bother to make the first move. Take the time to send a handwritten card or note, or an email. Or pick up the phone and call. So few people do this, that you’ll stand out in the crowd.

4. Think about how you will introduce yourself. Create a memorable tagline to help people remember you and your company.

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5. Think of yourself as a solution-finder, rather than a sales person. Not everyone can use your product or service, but the people you meet can often refer you to friends and colleagues. Aim to build long-term relationships that lead to a bigger circle of customers.

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Men’s Dress for Success – 5 Steps to Painless Shopping for Business Attire

By Lynda Goldman

Men, do you want to dress for success, but hate shopping? If you avoid the mall like the plague, here are 5 steps for painless shopping for a smart looking business wardrobe.

1. Enlist the help of a sympathetic female – your girlfriend, wife, friend, sister or cousin. Make sure this woman has a good eye for fashion, and can help you decide what looks good on you, and what is detracting from a professional business image.

2. Make a plan. Decide what items are highest on your priority list. These may be items you don’t currently have, such as a suit or dress shirt for a job interview. Or they may be items that are outdated, that don’t fit you well, or that don’t meet your work needs. For example, if you’ve changed jobs and now work in a more conservative environment, you may need a new jacket or two. But if your company has a new business casual policy, a few sweaters or polo shirts can update your business wardrobe.

3. Do your market research. Scout out a few stores to find out what kind of men’s wear they carry. It is mainly suits? More casual wear? What is the price range? Do they accept all the major credit cards, or only their store cards? If you are on a budget, it’s important to find this out before you fall in love with a designer suit that’s way out of your range.

4. Know your finances. Decide on your priorities, and how much money you can spend before you go shopping. Even if money is not a problem, when you buy clothes, especially suits, the price can rise quickly when you add the shirts, ties and accessories to match. Deciding ahead of time what you are looking for can help you resist sales pressure once you’re in the store.

5. Know your body type. If you aren’t sure, ask a good sales person, or your female shopping companion, to help you discover what looks good on you. Even small changes in style can make a huge difference in how the clothes fit you, and the impression you make.

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Body Language -5 Sales Tips for Body Language in Your Client’s Territory

By Lynda Goldman

When you visit a client’s office, you are entering the client’s territory. The client is on home turf, and you are at a bit of a disadvantage because you don’t know the territory. Here are 5 tips to project confidence in the client’s territory:

1. Be careful where you stand. Standing too close to a client is too intimate, but standing too far away can be viewed as impersonal. The best distance in North America is between 2 and 4 feet away. In some cultures people stand closer, and in other cultures they stand farther away. Take your cues from your customer.

2. If you arrive early and sit on the chairs or sofa in the reception area, be sure to stand up when the client greets you and you shake hands. Sitting down may send a message of lack of respect. As well, you always want to be at eye level when shaking hands, so you can make eye contact.

3. Never have a more relaxed posture than your client. Remember your posture, and don’t slump, especially when you sit down.

4. The client’s desk is intimate territory. Don’t place any papers on it without asking permission, and don’t put your briefcase or handbag on it either.

5. Display active listening techniques, such as nodding in agreement or cocking your head to show you are listening.

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Spring Fashion Trends – Dress for Success in 2008

By Lynda Goldman

As winter drags out, we all look forward to spring. This springs has loads of pretty things to mix and match with your wardrobe, from flowers to crisp clean styles.

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Here are 3 new trends how to wear them.

1. Crayon colors: Bright bags and shoes are popping up everywhere, in crayon colors of yellow, pink, green, blue and grape. Bright bags jump off the shelves in bold clutches or large totes.

Avoid looking like a kid going to kindergarten by choosing your crayon colors carefully. An inspired green or yellow bag can still look business like if it has a structured shape. If you work in a conservative industry such as financial services, keep your crayon brights for casual days at the office, and stick to classy looks when meeting clients.

2. Flowers are big this spring, from grown-up floral dresses, blouses and skirts, to accessories such as brooches and hair accessories.

Don’t go overboard, especially for the office. Choose one new grown-up floral, and pair it with your neutral separates. For example, a floral cardigan is great over a simple pair of pants and a top. Or wear a floral dress, but add a solid jacket or sweater on top.

Keep the accessories simple as well. If you wear a floral piece, don’t add floral brooches and hair pieces – that’s overkill.

3. Graphic prints: Abstract patterns are amongst the hottest trends right now. From dresses with geometric designs to floaty tops, you’ll see these eye-catching designs everywhere this spring.

With graphic prints, keep your accessories simple and classic. Find a bag in a neutral shade, or a crayon-box hue that picks up a color in your pattern. Keep the jewelry simple. The dress or shirt will be the main attraction. Eye-catching jewelry is too much.

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Telephone Etiquette – 3 Tips to Make A Great Impression on the Phone

At least 75 percent of the business we conduct begins with a phone call. In some cases it’s the only contact you have with a person. Peoples’ conclusions about your ability and trustworthiness are based on your voice and telephone manner. The way you sound on the telephone is the first, and sometimes the only, impression you will get to make.

Here are 3 tips for making a great first impression on the phone:

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1. When you’re on the phone with a client, boss or colleague, you’re playing the roles of good-will ambassador, problem solver, public relations representative, and more. Whether you are having a good day or a bad day, your telephone call is a performance that should leave your listener feeling positive about you.

2. There are no visual clues on the telephone. The person you are speaking to cannot see how you are dressed, your body language, or your office. The only criteria for pursuing the business relationship are the words you use, and the way you use your voice. If you sound insecure or insincere, you won’t come across well.

3. Prepare for your call in the same way you prepare for a personal meeting. Know the reason for your call, and jot down key points to discuss. Putting it in writing will help you stay focused, and lower your chances of getting sidetracked, or forgetting important items.

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